Ranking The Teams Within The Team: #6 – Running Backs

Just for kicks, I decided to take a look at the various units on the Seahawks team and attempt to project how good, or bad, they may be in the upcoming season. I ranked the units based on their top-end potential as well as their low-end potential, and also how much confidence there was in predicting their performance. Here are the units that I ranked (in no particular order):

Potential Stars in 2010: Justin Forsett, Leon WashingtonForsett will rush for 1000 yards this season. He will likely combine for over 1300 all-purpose yards. In other words, he will be a competent starting running back in the NFL. It’s not likely he will be a Pro Bowl-caliber star. Washington has been a Pro Bowler, and if he was healthy, I think he’d be our starting tailback. He may be the most electric Seahawk in the backfield since Ahman Green. Health is the only question with him.

Potential Disasters: Julius JonesJones is the worst kind of running back for this team. He has already peaked. He will never be a better player than he is now. And he is a mediocre back that is taking away from the future of the Seahawks every time he touches the ball. He will not be part of our revival, so why not give his carries to Lou Rankin or another player who at least has *potential* to be a meaningful part of our future. Even if he ran for 1000 yards, he’d be a disaster. Be gone!

Easiest Players To Project: Jones, ForsettWe’ve seen enough of these two to know their floor and have a good feeling for their ceiling. (I rhymed! Bonus!)

SUMMARY:This unit may enjoy the greatest statistical gain from a season ago. In part, because our running game was a joke last year, and in part, because we have a better scheme (it can’t be worse) and better talent (on the line and the backfield). Forsett typifies this group. He is not going to be a superstar, but he’s good enough to cheer for, and could win us some games. Our fullbacks are adequate, but it’s unclear what role they will play in this new scheme.